The Monster

99% love it

876Ratings

A West Village institution

Walk in at street level to the bar/piano lounge piano bar which looks like it hasn't changed in 30 years. But don't let the decor discourage you, pull up a stool and the friendly crowd and fun singers will have you hooked. For a change of pace, work your way downstairs to find drag shows and a dance floor.

NASTY RUDE BAR STAFF!! I have never been to a bar anywhere in the world (including the UK, Australia, Asia, America) where the bar staff have been so rude, vile and unwelcoming - avoid like the plague!! I will never go back. If I want to be treated like a piece of shit on a shoe I'll visit the Westborough Baptist Church)! Fuming and disgusted with this excuse for a gay bar! Yeauch!!

piano tunes I met a friend there tonight and sang tunes around the piano. It was tons of fun. I didn't like having to surrender my bottle of water as I entered though. I understand the two drink minimum but let me have my water!

I had so much fun ! but... I had so much fun but I didn't give 5 stars because of the attitude of the doorman because someone in the line told me the password to get it. We were a group of tourists and I think they could have been more welcoming.

Sunday Time Travel Sunday afternoon happy hour at The Monster is like traveling back in time. Terrific DJs such as Lady Bunny play a variety of '70s dance favorites and it's a blast to just sip a cocktail and watch men of a certain age take over the dance floor and relive their glory days at Studio 54.

Strong Drinks, Hot Dancers, Late Nights This is one of the few bars that actually stays open til 4am every night of the week (well, 3:50).
They always have hot dancers downstairs (even the lesbian night hires a male dancer). Upstairs is usually more low-key with conversation around the bar and showtunes and standards around the piano. Drag performances, dance parties, disco nights, and Manster Saturdays are all highlights every week for this West Village legend.

A Monster of a Bar :-) The Monster bar is across Sheridan Square from the Stonewall Inn. Monster has an oval bar (complete with beefy bartenders!) and open lounge area with a piano bar upstairs. Downstairs is a big dance floor area with a long bar along one wall. A stage for the go-go boys and a DJ booth are at one end of the room. Monster has all kinds-- bears, drag queens, women (real ones), and muscle guys but mostly men. When I was there in the wee hours of 5/18/14 I paid $7.00 for a rum and coke, and the cover charge was ~$9. Two buff dancer guys were on the go-go stage. The only real problem with this bar is it only has one (unisex) bathroom. I think Monster would be a good substitute for the now-closed Splash Bar. Yes, I would go back.